Syria: Aleppo on the brink of humanitarian disaster

The intense battles raging in Aleppo, which have seen another hospital destroyed with significant loss of life, are putting millions at grave risk.

Al Quds hospital has been destroyed

The Al Quds hospital in Aleppo was completely destroyed overnight, killing dozens of people and depriving many more of lifesaving medical care. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), head of mission in Syria, has condemned the attack:

"The recent attack on the ICRC-supported Quds hospital is unacceptable and sadly this is not the first time the lifesaving medical services have been hit,” said Marianne Gasser.

"We urge all the parties to spare the civilians. Don’t attack hospitals, don’t use weapons that cause widespread damage. Otherwise, Aleppo will be pushed further to the brink of humanitarian disaster.”

Aleppo is the second largest city in Syria and one of the worst affected in the past five years of conflict. Large parts of the city have been destroyed, and infrastructure severely damaged, leaving civilians without water and electricity for months. Escalating violence is putting millions, many of whom are displaced and living close to frontlines, at grave risk and without a chance of getting much-needed aid.

Red Cross support

The ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) have been supporting most of Aleppo’s medical facilities on both sides of the frontline with medicines, equipment and the provision of clean water. Recently, the ICRC and SARC managed to provide contingency food and medical aid on both sides of the city. However, the recent escalation in fighting means these stocks, that are expected to run out soon, cannot be replenished.

With food and water supplies, hospitals, schools and livelihoods destroyed by the conflict in Syria, there are many people in need of our help. Families continue to flee to safety in Europe. To help, you can donate to the Syrian Refugee Crisis to help support humanitarian relief efforts.

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